Algonquin Twp. Raises Officeholder Salaries But Only Later

The Algonquin Township Board Wednesday voted to give elected Township officials a two  per year raise for two years--but not for another two years.  The measure passed by the Board sets salaries for the next four years for the winners of what promise to be a number of contested in Algonquin Township elections next year.

The Township's "Little Committee", the Supervisor, Road Commissioner, Assessor and Clerk, had collectively recommended two percent raises for each of the next four years but Supervisor Dianne Klemm was clearly dubious.  "I think we make darn good salaries," she said.  "I wouldn't be against freezing the four years."

"It was my recommendation the Clerk's salary be frozen for four years," added Munaretto, although the proposed schedule included a boost there, anyway.

Casting an eye at salary increases in other townships Klemm summed up saying "McHenry is freezing and Nunda is going backwards."

Trustee Dan Shea put the four-year increase in play just "for discussion".  Trustee Linda Lance via telephone asked what the rush was, anyway, since State statutes don't require a salary decision before Nov.21.  No one answered that.  Nevertheless, Trustee Lowell Cutsforth seconded the motion adding, "I'm not in favor of it. I would say two years, possibly."

Shea argued the increases were justified since, "We serve more people than any other Township."

"The economy isn't very good and I don't see it getting better," replied Cutsforth who moved to amend the raises to kick in only for the latter half of the next four-year cycle.

Lance griped again that things were moving too fast.  "I wasn't given enough opportunity to do the research I normally would do," she said.

Newby trustee Russ Cardelli, Algonquin, was the only one who argued against any increase.  "People have been really bending my ear about this,"  he said.  His was the only "no" vote on the two-year freeze amendment, then the two year-freeze as the new resolution.

No one has made any formal announcements yet but races are expected for Algonquin Township Supervisor, probably Clerk and probably at least one trustee spot next year.  Whoever ends up occupying which office, under Wednesday's resolution, the Supervisor's salary will remain at $66,655 for two years, then increase to $69,348 by 2016. The Highway Commissioner will stay at $93,318, then rise to $97,088 at the end.  The Assessor, $84,430 and $87,841; Clerk, $17,775 and $18,493;  Trustees,  $2,370 and $2,466.   

In other action, the Board turned down a request from WWII vets charity McHenry Honor Flight to sell beer at a fundraiser in the Road District's Community Room.  It wasn't the beer trustees had trouble with, it was the selling part.  "If it was like a party in your back yard, that's one thing," said Shea.  "But sale?  It seems one step too far."

In the pic: Lou Ann Majewski, unincorporated Algonquin resident, was all the audience there was (not counting FEN) when the Algonquin Township Board voted on raises. She was against them.  "Most people aren't looking for raises," she said.  "They're looking for jobs."